New Chitose Airport

Overview

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the largest airport in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island. It serves as the primary air gateway to the region, handling a wide range of domestic flights and an increasing number of international services from cities across Asia, including Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and others. The airport is a hub for the low-cost carrier Air Do and a focus city for major airlines such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. With a single terminal divided into domestic and international sections, it is designed to accommodate the strong seasonal traffic from winter sports enthusiasts heading to world-class ski resorts like Niseko and summer visitors exploring Hokkaido's national parks. The airport's modern architecture incorporates local materials, reflecting the region's natural character.

Location & Access

New Chitose Airport is located in the city of Chitose, approximately 42 kilometres south of Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital. The most convenient way to reach Sapporo is via the JR Hokkaido rapid Airport Express train, which runs every 15 to 20 minutes during peak times and completes the journey in about 36 minutes. For travellers heading to ski resorts, direct buses connect the airport to Niseko (approximately 2.5 hours), Furano, and Rusutsu, among others. Car rental desks are available in the arrivals hall, and the airport is directly connected to the Hokkaido Expressway, making it easy to explore the island. Taxis are also available but can be costly for longer distances. The airport is situated about 2 kilometres from the town of Chitose, which offers additional accommodation and dining options.

Facilities

New Chitose Airport provides a range of confirmed facilities to ensure a comfortable experience for all passengers. The airport is fully wheelchair accessible, with designated accessible parking spaces in both the paid multi-storey car park and the paid outdoor parking lot, as well as wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating areas, and toilets. Changing tables are available in restrooms, which is convenient for families with young children. Baggage storage services are offered in the domestic arrivals area, allowing passengers to store luggage securely for a fee. The airport also provides standard toilet facilities. While additional amenities such as shops, restaurants, and lounges are common in major airports, the confirmed facilities focus on accessibility and practical needs. Parking is available for a fee, with both a multi-storey car park and a surface lot.

About the Region

Hokkaido is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic mountains, pristine lakes, and vast national parks such as Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The island experiences distinct seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, lavender fields in Furano in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and heavy snowfall in winter. This makes it a year-round destination for outdoor activities: skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter, and hiking, cycling, and camping in summer. Sapporo, just a short train ride from the airport, is famous for its annual Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo Beer, and miso ramen. Hokkaido is also known for its fresh seafood, dairy products, and hot springs (onsen) such as those in Noboribetsu. New Chitose Airport is the perfect starting point for exploring these attractions, with convenient connections to transportation.

Practical Information

New Chitose Airport is open daily for flight operations, though some services and facilities may have limited operating hours. The airport experiences peak passenger traffic around 11 am and 12 pm, so travellers should plan accordingly. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, passengers are encouraged to visit the official website. The airport can be contacted by phone at +81 123-23-0111. The website URL is https://www.hokkaido-airports.com/ja/new-chitose/ (primarily in Japanese, but with some English content). Parking is available for a fee, with both a multi-storey car park and an outdoor lot. Passengers with specific accessibility needs can take advantage of the wheelchair-accessible features throughout the terminal. Baggage storage services are available for those with layovers or early arrivals.